A unique and interactive concert experience that allows adult to enjoy the music they love while also providing fun and interactive activities for kids, Common Chord's new series Music Explorers will, on January 29, find its inspiration in the British Invasion, at event inviting Redstone Room patrons to cross the pond and rediscover the music of the Beatles, the Rolling Stones, the Who, and many more legendary artists.

Performing a singular assortment of whirling polkas, groovy reels, passionate love songs, breathtaking hymns, and original compositions, the gifted musicians of Skye Consort & Emma Björling serve as the first 2023 guests in Quad City Arts' Visiting Artists Series, delivering one full performance and three abbreviated ones – in addition to their numerous presentations for local students – between January 24 and 26.

Delivering a live performance of iconic country and folk favorites, a trio of Wisconsin musicians brings their tribute The Music of John Demnver featuring Layne Yost to Maquoketa's Ohnward Fine Arts Center on January 21, presenting a salute to the Grammy-winning legend that will boast such unforgettable songs as “Sunshine on My Shoulders,” “Take Me Home, Country Roads,” “You Fill Up My Senses,” and “Thank God I’m a Country Boy.”

We've widened our acoustic lens this year and are pleased to present top five to 10 albums of the year from 16 disc jockeys spinning tunes at two independently owned radio stations and three prolific local musicians/artists. The styles range from country to death metal, from indie pop to jam bands, from blues to roots and everything in between and around the edges. There are legends such as Buddy Guy and Elvis Costello. There are bands with such names as Fat Earthers and King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizards. The lists include live concert recordings from mega-stars including the Rolling Stones and Tom Petty, both from 1977. Who knew iconic artists Jimmy Cliff and the Dropkick Murphys were still making music?!